Prophets
to Guide Us
By
President Thomas S. Monson
A
few years ago, I was sitting in the room of the Salt Lake Temple where the
First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles meet once a week. I
gazed up at the wall which faces the First Presidency, and there I observed
portraits of each of the Presidents of the Church.
As I gazed at
them, my predecessors—from the Prophet Joseph
Smith(1805–44) to President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008)—I
thought, “How grateful I am for the guidance of each one.”
These
are great men who never wavered, never faltered, and never failed. These are
men of God. As I think of the modern-day prophets I have known and loved, I
recall their lives, their attributes, and their inspired teachings.
President
Heber J. Grant (1856–1945) was President of the Church when I was born. As
I contemplate his life and teachings, I believe a trait President Grant always
exemplified was that of persistence—persistence in those things which are good
and noble.
President George
Albert Smith (1870–1951) was President of the Church during the time I served
as bishop of my ward in Salt Lake City. He observed that there is a great
tug-of-war going on between the Lord and the adversary. “If you will stay on
the Lord’s side of the line,” he taught, “you will be under his influence and
will have no desire to do wrong.”1
I was called to
serve as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve in 1963 by President
David O. McKay (1873–1970). He taught consideration for others by the way
he lived his life. “True Christianity,” he said, “is love in action.”2
President
Joseph Fielding Smith (1876–1972), one of the Church’s most prolific writers,
had as a guiding principle in his life gospel scholarship. He read the
scriptures unceasingly and was as familiar with the teachings and doctrines
found within their pages as anyone I have ever known.
President
Harold B. Lee (1899–1973) served as my stake president when I was a boy. A
favorite quotation of his was “Stand ye in holy places, and be not moved.”3 He
encouraged the Saints to be in tune with, and responsive to, the whisperings of
the Holy Ghost.
I
believe a guiding principle in the life of President Spencer W. Kimball
(1895–1985) would be dedication. He was completely, unequivocally dedicated to
the Lord. He was also dedicated to living the gospel.
When President
Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994) became President of the Church, he called me to
serve as his Second Counselor in the First Presidency. Love was his guiding
principle, which is embodied in his favorite quotation, spoken by the Savior:
“What manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am.”4
President
Howard W. Hunter (1907–95) was one who always looked for the best in
others. Ever was he courteous; ever was he humble. It was my privilege to serve
as his Second Counselor.
President
Gordon B. Hinckley taught us to do our best. He bore powerful testimony of
the Savior and His mission. He taught us with love. Serving as his First Counselor
was an honor and a blessing for me.
The
Savior sends prophets because He loves us. During general conference this
October, the General Authorities of the Church will again have the privilege of
sharing His word. We approach this responsibility with great solemnity and
humility.
How blessed we
are that the restored Church of Jesus
Christ is upon the earth and that the Church is founded upon
the rock of revelation. Continuous revelation is the very lifeblood of the
gospel of Jesus Christ.
May
we prepare to receive the personal revelation that comes in abundance during
general conference. May our hearts be filled with deep determination as we
raise our hands to sustain living prophets and apostles. May we be enlightened,
uplifted, comforted, and strengthened as we listen to their messages. And may
we be ready to recommit ourselves to the Lord Jesus Christ—His gospel and His
work—and to live with renewed resolve in keeping His commandments and carrying
out His will.
Teaching from This Message
President
Monson shares powerful lessons he learned from prophets before him. He also
reminds us that “the Savior sends prophets because He loves us.” In ministering
to those you teach, you might discuss how prophets and apostles are signs of
God’s love for us. Consider sharing counsel from one of President Monson’s past
general conference addresses. Invite those you teach to prepare for general
conference by reviewing talks that have particularly inspired them and helped
them feel the Savior’s love.
Youth
We Thank Thee, O God, for a
Prophet
How
has our prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, influenced
you? What will you remember most about him? Consider writing in your journal
about President Monson and his life—much as he describes in this message the
influence of each prophet he remembers.
You
might also want to choose a favorite quote from him and write it where you’ll
see it often, like on a school binder or a note in your room. You could even
make a picture quote out of it and make it your phone’s background! Each time
you see the quote, you could reflect on the importance of a living prophet and
remember that he is here to love and guide us today.
You
can download the music to “We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet” at lds.org/go/9176.
Children
Prophets Guide Us to Christ
The
Savior gives us prophets because He loves us. Following the prophets helps us
choose the right. Which path should the children take to follow the prophet?
1. Teachings of Presidents of the Church: George Albert
Smith(2011), 191.
2. Teachings of Presidents of the Church: David O.
McKay(2003), 181.
“Following
a Prophet”
cji
9/01/17
In order
to follow one must know
knowing
with a surety the truth
over
centuries of unbelief/belief
stoning
and otherwise murdering
Prophets
then and now the same
quoting
the dead Prophets often
taken
out of context most always
refusing
to acknowledge the living
therefore
following a Prophet
requires
a sure knowledge to know
prayer
and being worthy to discern
thus there
is a Prophet today
so few
unable to desire truth
therefore
unwilling to listen
unable
then to hear or follow
in today’s
turbulence needful
to be
found following a Prophet!
Copyright © 2016 – cji
